GW38 Ones to watch: Patrick van Aanholt

A proven eye for goal means the Crystal Palace defender is after the hearts of FPL managers, says The Scout

The Scout is selecting five Fantasy Premier League players set to make an impact in Gameweek 38.

Patrick van Aanholt (CRY) £5.2m
Back-to-back goals against Leicester City and Stoke City have made the Dutchman the most wanted defender in Fantasy.

With four goals and three clean sheets from his last nine starts, Van Aanholt sits top of the FPL form standings for his position and has been transferred in more than any other defender in the Gameweek.

Eye for goal
Attacking threat is crucial to his appeal.

Since scoring his first goal of the campaign, against Manchester United in Gameweek 29, his 13 shots and seven shots on target are both more than any defender.

And encouragingly, he was on the end of four big chances over those matches. These are defined as opportunities where the receiving player is expected to score.

By comparison, he recorded only three shots on target and two big chances over the opening 28 Gameweeks.

Van Aanholt comes with a strong pedigree in Fantasy, having been a regular goalscorer in previous seasons.

He scored six goals in 2015/16 and five in the last campaign.

Final flourish?
Crystal Palace host relegated West Bromwich Albion in the final Gameweek.

The Eagles have conceded only one goal in their last three matches and won their previous home fixture 5-0 against Leicester City.

West Brom, meanwhile, have scored a mere 10 goals away from home all season. Only Brighton & Hove Albion, with nine, have fewer.

Van Aanholt’s potential for defensive and attacking points on the final day looks unrivalled.

And as part of two per cent of squads, he should be a top priority for managers seeking a differential in defence.